Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has given special compliments to Nathan Tella for the Nigerian player’s incredibly valuable help in their Bundesliga challenge for the title.
The ex-Spanish midfielder specifically highlighted the 24-year-old for acclaim after his outstanding performance in their 1-0 victory at Union Berlin on Saturday, a result that puts them just one win away from the championship.
“Nathan performed very well. He was essential for us as he caused the second yellow card for Gosens. We have strong competition in that position between Jerry and Nathan. That greatly assists us,” Alonso told the club’s official website.
“The situation is very positive, and maybe we will be able to celebrate something on Sunday. But first there’s the Europa League, and our focus is entirely on that,” he added.
Tella started the game and played until the 79th minute, when he was substituted by Jeremie Frimpong, 12 minutes after his Super Eagles teammate, Victor Boniface, replaced Borja Iglesias Quintás.
Florian Wirtz’s penalty goal in the first half secured the away team a well-deserved victory in the match of game-week 28 at Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Berlin.
In his first season with Leverkusen following his move from Southampton in August, Tella has stood out in the club’s colors, contributing with five league goals and two assists despite starting only four of 19 matches out of their 28 fixtures.
Leverkusen are 16 points behind Bayern Munich in the top spot of the standings and could potentially secure the title with a victory over visiting Werder Bremen on April 14 at BayArena, where champagne is already on standby for the title celebration.
